UNESCO sites in Bologna and Modena: a journey among the Italian wonders

This journey begins in the heart of the historic centre of Modena among the stones that tell a thousand-year history. The complex formed by the Cathedral, the Ghirlandina Tower and Piazza Grande has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997.

We start from the Cathedral, a masterpiece of Romanesque art begun in 1099 by Lanfranco and decorated by Wiligelmo, creator of the extraordinary biblical reliefs.

The exterior of the Cathedral is striking for its richness of detail: from the splendid capitals to the decorations of the corbels and the famous Reliefs of Genesis that adorn the façade. 
In the centuries that followed, the Campionesi Masters contributed to the construction of the majestic Porta Regia overlooking Piazza Grande and to the central rose window of the façade. 
This complex representation of the human condition still conveys a message of faith and reflection on life today.

Curiosities

• The wondrousness of its sculptural and decorative apparatus has led to the Cathedral being described as a "Stone Bible"
• On the north side you can admire the Porta della Pescheria with a cycle of bas-reliefs depicting the typical jobs of the 12 months of the year

In front of the Porta della Pescheria are the Cathedral Museums, an unmissable stop for a journey through the history of the Cathedral.
Three areas to visit are:

• the Lapidary Museum, which preserves, among other works, the original metopes: eight sculptures depicting fantastical creatures that once decorated the roof of the church
• the Treasure of the Cathedral includes liturgical and artistic works from the Romanesque period to the 19th century, including the Altarpiece of San Geminiano, the Relatio and precious Flemish tapestries of the 16th century
• the "Cathedral and Ghirlandina: events and protagonists" section, inaugurated in 2023, offers an interactive experience on the history of Modena's UNESCO complex.

The itinerary continues with a visit to the Ghirlandina Tower, the bell tower of the Cathedral and the de facto symbol of Modena’s identity. 

Standing at 86 metres high, it has played a fundamental civic role over the centuries, marking the daily life of the city with the sound of its bells. After you have climbed the 200 steps you reach the Torresani Hall, where you can enjoy a breathtaking 360° view of Modena and an astounding view of Piazza Grande, the beating heart of the city.

Once the visit to the tower is over, take a stroll through the square. 

You will see:

• the Ringadora Stone, an ancient stone used in the past to address the crowds or to expose insolvent debtors
• the statue of La Bonissima – symbol of justice and mercantile propriety of medieval Modena, sited on the corner of the Town Hall

For the second day, the itinerary leads to the heart of Bologna, in discovery of its iconic porticoes. 

They were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2021. 

With a total length of over 62 km – 12 sections of which are recognised for their particular historical and artistic value – the arcades are a distinctive element of the city. 

Those located in the historic centre within the ancient city walls are witnesses of the urban evolution of Bologna over the centuries:

• the Strada Maggiore portico  corresponding to Casa Isolani presents one of the oldest medieval wooden sections still in existence
• the majestic Portico dei Servi, characterised by its size and imposing colonnade
• the porticoes of the Academy and the University, which tell the story of Bologna's long academic tradition
• those of Via Santo Stefano and Mercanzie, among the most evocative for their historical and artistic value
• the Portico of the Pavaglione, which crosses the area of Piazza Maggiore
• those of the Archiginnasio, a palace that was the seat of the University and houses the famous anatomical theatre
• those in Via Galliera, where you can admire historic decorations and frescoes
• the Porticoes of Baraccano, by Cavour, Farini and Piazza Minghetti, combining architectural elegance and urban functionality 
• the most recent portico, at the MAMbo, the Museum of Modern Art of Bologna, which represents the contemporary evolution of this tradition, becoming part of a more modern city context when remaining linked to the past.

Curiosities
With a total length of over 62 km, the Bologna porticoes are the longest in the world

Stretching beyond the ancient city walls of Bologna, the porticoes wind towards iconic places in the city, creating a bridge between the historic heart and the surrounding landscape:

• the most iconic of them all is undoubtedly the Portico of San Luca, the longest in the world: its 3.8 km length and 666 arches connect the city to the Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Luca, on Guardian Hill. Originally built to protect pilgrims from the elements, it is one of the most fascinating walks in Bologna today, with spectacular views of the city and the hills
• the Portico of Via Saragozza one of the longest and most evocative porticoes in the city, characterised by its imposing structure that leads the way to the Porta Saragozza, where you re-enter the city centre
• the Portico of the Certosa, leads to the entrance of the Monumental Cemetery, a place of great artistic, historical and spiritual value, and indeed one of the most important in Europe
• in the western area of Bologna, far from the more touristy areas, we have the so-called "Treno della Barca”, a modern portico that testifies to the enduring nature of this architectural tradition even in contemporary neighbourhoods.

This stop shows how the porticoes are not just architectural elements, but a real symbol of identity that extends far beyond the historic centre to create a solid link between past, present and future.

And after so much walking under the porticoes, it's time to pamper yourself with Bolognese cuisine, which will satisfy all your curiosities... especially the gastronomic ones!

On the last day of the trip, the itinerary goes through the gentle hills south-east of Bologna to the expanses of the Gessi Bolognesi and Calanchi dell’Abbadessa Park: a natural jewel included in the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

This area, sculpted over the millennia by complex geological processes, is a paradise for lovers of nature and geology. Its karst formations of selenite chalk create sinkholes, ragged cliffs and underground cavities that hold hidden wonders.

Among the most spectacular are:

• the Spipola Cave, one of the largest karst caverns in Europe
• the Farneto Cave, which contains prehistoric remains. 

Curiosities
What makes this park truly unique are the many ravine crests: ridges of eroded clay that create almost lunar scenarios, and are particularly beautiful at sunset.

Walking through its paths is a journey in a living environment, inhabited by foxes, birds of prey and wildlife typical of the Bolognese Apennines. The Park is not only a site of scientific interest, but an invitation to slow down, breathe and observe: with trailwalking, trekking and unforgettable views.